Kansas State vs Kansas - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
Candidates with higher SAT scores go to Kansas: a midpoint of 1190 against 1150, a difference of 40 points.
Both universities have a small international community (at most 3.1% of students), which is worth weighing if that environment matters to you.
The distance in the ARWU ranking is clear: #301-400 (Kansas) against #501-600.
The indicators describe a university as a whole, and your own course can sit a long way from that average.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Kansas State is the more selective of the two (82% vs 93.48% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $57K). Kansas State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $30,432 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical - the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Kansas State for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
Choose Kansas for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Kansas State is more selective (82% vs 93.48% acceptance); Kansas has a higher median SAT (1190 vs 1150).
Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $57K); Kansas State has a higher 6-year graduation rate (71.1% vs 68.8%).
Kansas State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $30,432); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas State | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | - | - |
| Acceptance rate | 82% | 93.48% |
| Yield rate | 27.5% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1150 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.81 | 3.68 |
| Number of applications | 15,432 | 22,363 |
| International students | 1.7% | 3.1% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $62K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $39K | $40K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 85.6% | 86% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,568 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,968 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 77% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,179 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $40 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 20,295 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas State or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Kansas State. Kansas State accepts 82% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.48%.
Do Kansas State or Kansas graduates earn more?
Kansas graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Kansas State vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,568 per year at Kansas State and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas State or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1150 at Kansas State and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Kansas State or Kansas?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Kansas State vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid - Kansas State or Kansas?
The average aid package is $15,968 at Kansas State and $19,700 at Kansas.
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